Professional Advisor or Professional Dream Crusher When Student’s Goals and Expectations Collide with Reality 2012 NACADA National Conference Concurrent Session 215 Jessica Bigger, Jessica Kelso, Betsy Loe, Courtney Brafford University of Memphis

Have we all been here? You Can Do Anything!!

Introductions Three “generalist” advisors from the Academic Counseling Center – Undecided, pre-nursing, pre-major 70% of incoming freshmen are advised in the ACC Various departments (i.e. Biology) do not allow freshman to declare until specific coursework is completed Pre-Health advisor to the entire campus

Pre-health Defined Students planning on entering healthcare focused on direct patient care – Pre-Nursing – Pre-Med – Pre-Dental – Pre-Pharmacy – Pre-Physical Therapy – Allied Health

Profile of “Pre-health” Students Summary of New Student Orientation (NSO) data of pre-health students - 1,987 new freshmen in fall “Pre-health” (27%), and of that, 333 Pre-nursing ACT Average = with an ACT subscore below 18 - Transfer, Post-bac, second degree

Profile of “Pre-health” students Motivation – Money – Prestige – Help people – Parental expectations – Assumption of a guaranteed job – Pop culture depictions of medical field Challenges – Lack of knowledge – Inflated sense of self – Poor academic preparation – Lack of support – Obligations outside of school – Parental pressure

Profile of Successful Pre-health Students Admissions criteria – National admissions data for medical school – U of M data 41% of “pre-med” students were admitted to medical school between – When looking at competitive applicants (3.6+ GPA/27+ MCAT), our success rate jumps to 77% during that same period – Nursing Average GPA of 3.5 Required coursework

Characteristics of a successful applicant External Factors High overall GPA/science GPA Clinical experience Volunteerism/Community Service Research experience Student involvement Internal Factors Empathy Commitment to serve Good judgment Intellectual curiosity Life-long learning

Who are these students? The Last to Know The Farsighted The Innocents

Pre-health Students The Innocents – New student with few (if any) college credits – Initial meeting during Orientation and/or pre-matriculation The Farsighted – Continuing student making poor progress toward major/career goals Current or transfer student – Earned GPA, coursework, etc but no major officially declared The Last to Know – Upperclassmen with a declared major evaluating post- secondary options – 2 nd degree students

Advising Pre-health Students Discussions with the Innocents should include: – Motivation for major/career choice May be used later for redirection – Interests, strengths, abilities, etc – Explanation of specific requirements Manage expectations – Personalized educational plan Keep upbeat, positive demeanor – This is NOT the time for dream crushing!

Advising Pre-health Students Advising the Farsighted students – Reality check Academic standing vs. academic requirements Reiteration of successful student profile – Reassessment of motivation and goals Understanding the student’s susceptibility to change Putting a different spin on previously stated goals – Introduction of parallel plan Objective is to find an alternative path that achieves a similar goal

Advising the Last to Know The Ultimate Dream Crusher/The Enforcer Advising typically includes: – Repeat of “far sighted” advising techniques Reality check Reassessment of goals and skills – Deal with the fall out – Identify resources to help students cope with loss – Solidify new plan for success

Dealing with a Negative Reaction Be comfortable with tears (have tissues in your office) Be confident in your ability and don’t take their reaction personally Practice delivering bad news Recognize/Acknowledge loss Refer to counseling services if necessary Keep detailed notes from meetings Be prepared for fall out – They may request new advisor – May try to apply anyway – Parental reaction

Advisor Challenges Rollercoaster of negative student emotions – Angry – Arrogant – Depressed – Indignant Pressure from administration – Retention! – Satisfied alumni Information overload – Admissions requirements and statistics – Developing and maintaining relationships with cross- campus and community partners

“Pre-health” Toolbox Knowledge of requirements and admission policies for majors and programs – Have handouts available, snap-shot profiles GPA Calculator Upperclassman connections Community resources and volunteering Job-Shadowing opportunities Network of resources on campus – Faculty and advisors from other departments – Career Counseling and career assessments

“Pre-health” Toolbox Developed sense of empathy Keep student’s best interests in mind Ability to deliver bad news – Take a counseling class if available Professional development – Listservs and professional associations

What We’re Doing Fresh Connections/Learning Communities – Pre-health and Pre-nursing ACAD – Academic Strategies Discover Your Major Day Health Professions Fair Lunch and Learn Pre-health Workshops Pre-nursing Seminar Pre-health Listserv

Discussion & Questions

Contact Information Jessica Bigger Courtney Brafford Jessica Kelso Betsy Loe